Hong Kong is an expensive place to live. While taxes are low (especially compared to Canada!) housing is very expensive and food can be expensive too. Many foods are imported so not only are they pricey but they have a large carbon foot print. Market shopping is the best, because you can get a large variety of local products, but where I live there isn't a market close by. While I believe in buying what is local and seasonally available whenever possible I am not so dedicated that I will travel out of my way and lug every thing back on the bus, ferry or MTR. There are two supermarkets close to me, both of which I can walk to and both of which deliver. They are where I do most of my shopping.
I had heard there was a small organic farm not to far away in Nim Shue Wan, which is a tiny village on the hike to Mui Wo, not far from DB. So on New Years day my friend and I decided to take a walk and see if we could locate it. Sure enough, along the path and up the hill we found a terraced garden patch full of neat rows and labels of all kinds of produce called Grandpa's Garden.
 |
| One of the terraces in Grandpa's Garden. |
Apparently it started as a sustenance farm for a local family as the kids grew up and moved on became a small business for Grandma & Grandpa (Mr. & Mrs. Wong). They only grow what is in season, use companion planting to reduce pests and test the irrigation water by keeping goldfish in the ponds. If the fish are healthy the water is good.
I asked what was available right now and was shown some beautiful spinach, potatoes and parsley so I bought some.
Yesterday the spinach was in a salad and today I made a yummy vegetarian meal: Spinach, tomatoes & beans with curried potato salad with apple & raisins. (Rima, if you are reading this the recipe for the Spinach, tomato & beans came from your wedding shower cookbook!)
I think I will be making many trips there in the future! The produce is beautiful and I can finally shop local and in season again.
If you are interested in reading a bit more on Grandpa's Garden follow the link: Grandpa's Garden
